U.S. patent application number 14/929608 was filed with the patent office on 2016-05-05 for apparatus with 3d inductors.
The applicant listed for this patent is RF Micro Devices, Inc.. Invention is credited to Marcus Granger-Jones, Dirk Robert Walter Leipold, George Maxim, Baker Scott.
Application Number | 20160126007 14/929608 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 55853672 |
Filed Date | 2016-05-05 |
United States Patent
Application |
20160126007 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Leipold; Dirk Robert Walter ;
et al. |
May 5, 2016 |
APPARATUS WITH 3D INDUCTORS
Abstract
Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed that includes a first
three dimensional (3D) inductor and a second 3D inductor. The first
three dimensional (3D) inductor has a first conductive path shaped
as a first two dimensional (2D) lobe laid over a first 3D volume.
In addition, the second 3D inductor has a second conductive path,
wherein the second 3D inductor is inserted into the first 3D
inductor so that the second conductive path at least partially
extends through the first 3D volume. Since second 3D inductor is
inserted into the first 3D inductor, the 3D inductors may be
coupled to one another. Depending on orientation and distances of
structures provided by the 3D inductors, the 3D inductors may be
weakly or moderately coupled.
Inventors: |
Leipold; Dirk Robert Walter;
(San Jose, CA) ; Maxim; George; (Saratoga, CA)
; Granger-Jones; Marcus; (Scotts Valley, CA) ;
Scott; Baker; (San Jose, CA) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
RF Micro Devices, Inc. |
Greensboro |
NC |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
55853672 |
Appl. No.: |
14/929608 |
Filed: |
November 2, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62074420 |
Nov 3, 2014 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
336/200 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 28/10 20130101;
H01F 27/2804 20130101; H04B 1/40 20130101; H03H 9/24 20130101; H04J
1/08 20130101; H01P 7/06 20130101; H03H 7/38 20130101; H03H 7/463
20130101; H01L 21/0276 20130101; H01P 7/065 20130101; H01F
2027/2809 20130101; H01P 7/08 20130101 |
International
Class: |
H01F 27/28 20060101
H01F027/28; H01F 27/29 20060101 H01F027/29 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a first three dimensional (3D) inductor
having a first conductive path shaped as a first two dimensional
(2D) lobe laid over a first 3D volume; and a second 3D inductor
having a second conductive path, wherein the second 3D inductor is
inserted into the first 3D inductor so that the second conductive
path at least partially extends through the first 3D volume.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the first conductive path is
shaped as the first 2D lobe laid over the first 3D volume such
that, in response to a current being provided through the first
conductive path, the first conductive path is configured to
generate a magnetic field that predominately embraces the first
conductive path along an interior of the first 3D inductor.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second conductive path of
the second 3D inductor is shaped as a second 2D lobe laid over a
second 3D volume wherein the second 3D inductor is inserted into
the first 3D inductor so that second 3D volume at least partially
overlaps the first 3D volume.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: the second conductive path
only partially extends through the first 3D volume; and the first
3D inductor is also inserted within the second 3D inductor so that
the first conductive path partially extends through the second 3D
volume.
5. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the first conductive path and
the second conductive path are interleaved such that the second
conductive path only partially extends through the first 3D volume
and the first conductive path partially extends through the second
3D volume.
6. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein: the first 3D inductor
comprises a first elongated via column that forms part of the first
conductive path, wherein the first elongated via column is
elongated along a first plane to define a first column surface that
faces toward an interior of the first 3D inductor; and the second
3D inductor comprises a second elongated via column that forms part
of the second conductive path, wherein the second elongated via
column extends through the first 3D volume and wherein the second
elongated via column is elongated along a second plane to define a
second column surface that faces toward an exterior of the second
3D inductor and towards the first column surface of the first
elongated via column.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the first plane and the second
plane are oriented substantially the same but are positioned so
that the first column surface and the second column surface are
displaced.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein: the first 3D inductor further
comprises a third elongated via column that forms another part of
the first conductive path, wherein the third elongated via column
extends through the second 3D volume and wherein the third
elongated via column is elongated along a third plane to define a
third column surface that faces toward an exterior of the first 3D
inductor; and the second 3D inductor further comprises a fourth
elongated via column that forms another part of the second
conductive path, wherein the fourth elongated via column is
elongated along a fourth plane to define a fourth column surface
that faces toward an interior of the second 3D inductor and towards
the third column surface of the third elongated via column.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the first plane, the second
plane, the third plane and the fourth plane are oriented
substantially the same but are positioned so that the first column
surface, the second column surface, the third column surface, and
the fourth column surface are displaced.
10. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein; the first 3D inductor
comprises a first elongated via column, a second elongated via
column, a third elongated via column, a fourth elongated via
column, a first connector plate, a second connector plate, and a
third connector plate to form the first conductive path wherein:
the first connector plate connects the first elongated via column
and the second elongated via column; the second connector plate
connects the third elongated via column and the fourth elongated
via column; and the third connector plate connects the second
elongated via column to the third elongated via column; and the
second 3D inductor comprises a fifth elongated via column, a sixth
elongated via column, a seventh elongated via column, an eighth
elongated via column, a fourth connector plate, a fifth connector
plate, and a sixth connector plate to form the second conductive
path wherein: the fourth connector plate connects the fifth
elongated via column and the sixth elongated via column; the fifth
connector plate connects the seventh elongated via column and the
eighth elongated via column; and the sixth connector plate connects
the sixth elongated via column to the seventh elongated via
column.
11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the fifth elongated via
column of the second conductive path of the second 3D inductor
extends through the first 3D volume; and the sixth elongated via
column, the seventh elongated via column, the eighth elongated via
column, the fifth connector plate, and the sixth connector plate of
the second conductive path of the second 3D inductor are outside of
the first 3D volume.
12. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the first elongated via
column has a first interior column surface facing toward an
interior of the first 3D inductor and a first exterior column
surface that faces toward an exterior of the first 3D inductor; the
second elongated via column has a second interior column surface
facing toward the interior of the first 3D inductor and a second
exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the first
3D inductor; the third elongated via column has a third interior
column surface facing toward the interior of the first 3D inductor
and a third exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior
of the first 3D inductor; the fourth elongated via column has a
fourth interior column surface facing toward the interior of the
first 3D inductor and a fourth exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the first 3D inductor; the fifth elongated
via column has a fifth interior column surface facing toward an
interior of the second 3D inductor and a fifth exterior column
surface that faces toward an exterior of the second 3D inductor,
the first interior column surface faces the fifth exterior column
surface; the sixth elongated via column has a sixth interior column
surface facing toward the interior of the second 3D inductor and a
sixth exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the
second 3D inductor, wherein the second elongated via column and the
sixth elongated via column are adjacent to one another such that
the second interior column surface and the sixth interior column
surface are oriented in substantially the same manner and such that
the second exterior column surface and the sixth exterior column
surface are oriented in substantially the same manner; the seventh
elongated via column has a seventh interior column surface facing
toward the interior of the second 3D inductor and a seventh
exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the
second 3D inductor, wherein the third exterior column surface faces
the seventh interior column surface; and the eighth elongated via
column has an eighth interior column surface facing toward the
interior of the second 3D inductor and a eighth exterior column
surface that faces toward the exterior of the second 3D inductor,
wherein the fourth elongated via column and the eighth elongated
via column are adjacent to one another such that the fourth
interior column surface and the eighth interior column surface are
oriented in substantially the same manner and such that the fourth
exterior column surface and the eighth exterior column surface are
oriented in substantially the same manner.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein more than two 3D inductors
are disposed in a chain configuration.
14. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the sixth elongated via
column of the second conductive path of the second 3D inductor
extends through the first 3D volume; and the fifth elongated via
column, the seventh elongated via column, the eighth elongated via
column, and the fifth connector plate of the second conductive path
of the second 3D inductor are outside of the first 3D volume.
15. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein: the first elongated via
column has a first interior column surface facing toward an
interior of the first 3D inductor and a first exterior column
surface that faces toward an exterior of the first 3D inductor; the
second elongated via column has a second interior column surface
facing toward the interior of the first 3D inductor and a second
exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the first
3D inductor; the third elongated via column has a third interior
column surface facing toward the interior of the first 3D inductor
and a third exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior
of the first 3D inductor; the fourth elongated via column has a
fourth interior column surface facing toward the interior of the
first 3D inductor and a fourth exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the first 3D inductor; the fifth elongated
via column has a fifth interior column surface facing toward an
interior of the second 3D inductor and a fifth exterior column
surface that faces toward an exterior of the second 3D inductor,
the fourth elongated via column and the fifth elongated via column
are adjacent to one another such that the fourth interior column
surface and the fifth interior column surface are oriented in
substantially the same manner and such that the fourth exterior
column surface and the fifth exterior column surface are oriented
in substantially the same manner; the sixth elongated via column
has a sixth interior column surface facing toward the interior of
the second 3D inductor and a sixth exterior column surface that
faces toward the exterior of the second 3D inductor, wherein the
sixth interior column surface faces the third interior column
surface and the sixth exterior column surface faces the first
interior column surface; the seventh elongated via column has a
seventh interior column surface facing toward the interior of the
second 3D inductor and a seventh exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the second 3D inductor, the second elongated
via column and the seventh elongated via column are adjacent to one
another such that the second interior column surface and the
seventh interior column surface are oriented in substantially the
same manner and such that the second exterior column surface and
the seventh exterior column surface are oriented in substantially
the same manner; and the eighth elongated via column has an eighth
interior column surface facing toward the interior of the second 3D
inductor and an eighth exterior column surface that faces toward
the exterior of the second 3D inductor, wherein the eighth interior
column surface faces the third exterior column surface.
16. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a third 3D inductor
having a third conductive path, wherein the third 3D inductor is
inserted into the first 3D inductor so that the third conductive
path at least partially extends through the first 3D volume.
17. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the second 3D inductor has the
second conductive path so that the second conductive path extends
entirely within the first 3D volume.
18. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the first 3D inductor has
the first conductive path such that the first conductive path is
shaped to form a first turn, a second turn, and a third turn,
wherein the first turn and the second turn face one another and are
symmetrical relative to a first plane and wherein the first turn is
connected to the second turn so as to form the third turn such that
the third turn faces a second plane, wherein the second plane is
traverse to the first plane; and the second conductive path is
shaped to form a fourth turn that faces the third turn but the
fourth turn has a transverse rotational orientation with respect to
the third turn relative to the second plane.
19. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the first 3D inductor has
the first conductive path such that the first conductive path is
shaped to form a first turn, a second turn, and a third turn,
wherein the first turn and the second turn face one another and are
symmetrical relative to a first plane and wherein the first turn is
connected to the second turn so as to form the third turn such that
the third turn faces a second plane that is transverse to the first
plane; and the second 3D inductor has the first conductive path
such that the second conductive path is shaped to form a fourth
turn, a fifth turn, and a sixth turn, wherein the fourth turn and
the fifth turn face one another and are symmetrical relative to a
third plane that is transverse to the first plane and the second
plane and wherein the fourth turn is connected to the fifth turn so
as to form the sixth turn that faces the third turn but the sixth
turn has a transverse rotational orientation with respect to the to
the third turn relative to the second plane.
20. The apparatus of claim 17 wherein: the first 3D inductor
comprises a first elongated via column, a second elongated via
column, a third elongated via column, a fourth elongated via
column, a first connector plate, a second connector plate, and a
third connector plate to form the first conductive path wherein:
the first connector plate connects the first elongated via column
and the second elongated via column; the second connector plate
connects the third elongated via column and the fourth elongated
via column; and the third connector plate connects the second
elongated via column to the third elongated via column; and the
second 3D inductor comprises a fifth elongated via column, a sixth
elongated via column, a seventh elongated via column, an eighth
elongated via column, a fourth connector plate, a fifth connector
plate, a sixth connector plate, a seventh connector plate, a first
terminal plate a second terminal plate and a bridge to form the
second conductive path wherein: the fourth connector plate connects
the fifth elongated via column and the eighth elongated via column;
the fifth connector plate connects the sixth elongated via column
and the seventh elongated via column; the first terminal plate
connects to the second elongated via column and extends toward the
eighth elongated via column; the second terminal plate connected to
eighth elongated via column and extends toward the second elongated
via column, wherein the first terminal plate and the second
terminal plate form a gap; the sixth connector plate connects to
the fifth elongated via column and extends towards the seventh
elongated via column; the seventh connector plate connects to the
seventh via column and extends towards the first elongated via
column; and the bridge is connects the sixth connector plate to the
seventh connector plate, wherein the configured to go around the
first connector plate and the second connector plate.
21. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a substrate having
a substrate body and a metallic structure integrated into the
substrate body wherein the first 3D inductor and the second 3D
inductor are formed by the metallic structure.
22. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein at least one of the first 3D
inductor and the second 3D inductor has two or more turns.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of provisional patent
application Ser. No. 62/074,446, filed Nov. 3, 2014, the disclosure
of which is hereby incorporated herein by reference in its
entirety.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0002] This disclosure relates generally to inductive structures
for radio frequency (RF) filtering circuitry.
BACKGROUND
[0003] As wireless communications technologies evolve, wireless
communications systems become increasingly sophisticated. As such,
wireless communications protocols continue to expand and change to
take advantage of the technological evolution. As a result, to
maximize flexibility, many wireless communications devices must be
capable of supporting any number of wireless communications
protocols, each of which may have certain performance requirements,
such as specific out-of-band emissions requirements, linearity
requirements, or the like. Further, portable wireless
communications devices are typically battery powered and need to be
relatively small, and have low cost. As such, to minimize size,
cost, and power consumption, RF circuitry in such a device needs to
be as simple, small, flexible, and efficient as is practical. Thus,
there is a need for RF circuitry in a communications device that is
low cost, small, simple, flexible, and efficient.
SUMMARY
[0004] Embodiments of an apparatus are disclosed that includes a
first three dimensional (3D) inductor and a second 3D inductor. The
first three dimensional (3D) inductor has a first conductive path
shaped as a first two dimensional (2D) lobe laid over a first 3D
volume. In addition, the second 3D inductor has a second conductive
path, wherein the second 3D inductor is inserted into the first 3D
inductor so that the second conductive path at least partially
extends through the first 3D volume. Since second 3D inductor is
inserted into the first 3D inductor, the 3D inductors may be
coupled to one another. Depending on orientation and distances of
structures provided by the 3D inductors, the 3D inductors may be
weakly or moderately coupled.
[0005] Those skilled in the art will appreciate the scope of the
present disclosure and realize additional aspects thereof after
reading the following detailed description of the preferred
embodiments in association with the accompanying drawing
figures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING FIGURES
[0006] The accompanying drawing figures incorporated in and forming
a part of this specification illustrate several aspects of the
disclosure, and together with the description serve to explain the
principles of the disclosure.
[0007] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a 3D inductor and the
magnetic field generated by the 3D inductor in response to a
current.
[0008] FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of two 3D inductors, like
the 3D inductor shown in FIG. 1, that have been inserted into one
another.
[0009] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate an embodiment of two 3D
inductors, like the 3D inductor shown in FIG. 1, that have been
inserted into one another, but with a different orientation.
[0010] FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of three 3D inductors, like
the 3D inductor shown in FIG. 1, that have been inserted into one
another.
[0011] FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of two 3D inductors, where
one of the 3D inductors is inserted entirely within the other 3D
inductor.
[0012] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of two 3D inductors,
where one of the 3D inductors is inserted entirely within the other
3D inductor, and the two 3D inductors have two pairs of opposing
turns that face one another.
[0013] FIG. 7 illustrates still another embodiment of two 3D
inductors, where one of the 3D inductors is inserted entirely
within the other 3D inductor, and a bridge is utilized by the
inserted 3D inductor.
[0014] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a multi-layered
substrate having a conductive structure which may be utilized to
form the 3D inductors shown in FIGS. 1-7.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0015] The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary
information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the
embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the
embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the
accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will
understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize
applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein.
It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall
within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.
[0016] Throughout this disclosure, relative terminology, such as
"approximately," "substantially," and the like, may be used in a
predicate to describe features and relationships between features
of a device or method. The relative terminology in the predicate
should be interpreted sensu lato. However, whether the predicate
employing the relative terminology is satisfied is determined in
accordance to error ranges and/or variation tolerances relevant to
the predicate and prescribed to the device or method by RF
communication standards relevant to the RF application(s) employing
the device or method. For example, the particular RF application
employing the device or method may be designed to operate in
accordance with certain communication standards, specifications, or
the like. These communication standards and specification may
prescribe the error ranges and/or variation tolerances relevant to
the predicate or may describe performance parameters relevant to
the predicate from which the error ranges and/or variation
tolerances for the device or method can be deduced or inferred.
[0017] Throughout this disclosure "weakly magnetically coupled"
and/or "weak magnetic coupling" shall mean that a magnetic coupling
coefficient between magnetically coupled components that is within
a range of approximately 0.0001 to approximately 0.4.
[0018] FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a 3D inductor 10
created in a substrate 12. The substrate 12 has a substrate body 14
and a conductive structure 15 that is integrated into the substrate
body 14. The 3D inductor 10 is formed as part of the conductive
structure 15 on and within the substrate body 14. The substrate
body 14 is made from suitable non-conductive material(s) and/or
semiconductor material(s). Exemplary non-conductive materials
include laminate, a semiconductor material, glass, a dielectric,
plastic, fiber, and/or the like. Exemplary semiconductor materials
include Silicon (Si), Silicon Germanium (SiGe), Gallium Arsenide
(GaAs), Indium Phosphorus (InP), and/or the like. The substrate 12
may also be single layered or multi-layered. The conductive
structure 15 may be formed on and/or within the substrate body 14
using any type of suitable conductive material(s). These conductive
materials may be made from any type of metal(s) including, for
example, copper (Cu), gold (Au), silver (Ag), Nickel (Ni), metallic
alloys, and/or the like. Conductive materials may also be
non-metallic conductive materials (e.g., graphene). In this
embodiment, the substrate 12 is a multi-layered substrate, and the
substrate body 14 is made from a laminate. The multi-layered
substrate 12 thus includes the substrate body 14, which is formed
from a plurality of laminated substrate layers and conductive
structure 15, formed by metallic layers and conductive vias on and
between the laminated substrate layers. The laminated substrate
layers may be formed from laminates such as FR-1, FR-2, FR-3, FR-4,
FR-5, FR-6, CEM-1, CEM-2, CEM-3, CEM-4, CEM-5, CX-5, CX-10, CX-20,
CX-30, CX-40, CX-50, CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, CX-90, CX-100, and/or the
like.
[0019] While the specific embodiments described in this disclosure
are implemented using a multi-layered substrate, the 3D inductor 10
described herein is not limited to multi-layered substrates.
Alternatively, the 3D inductor 10 may be implemented using
single-layered substrates.
[0020] With regard to the 3D inductor 10 shown in FIG. 1, the 3D
inductor 10 provides a conductive path 16. The conductive path 16
extends in all three dimensions but curves back in on itself. More
specifically, the conductive path 16 has a shape corresponding to a
two-dimensional (2D) lobe 18 laid over a three-dimensional (3D)
volume 20. In this embodiment, the 2D lobe 18 is approximately
shaped as a square (which is a special case of a polygon), and the
3D volume 20 is approximately shaped as a cube (which is a special
case of a polynoid). However, as explained in U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/450,156 filed Aug. 1, 2014, which is hereby
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety, the 2D lobe 18
and 3D volume 20 may each be of any 2D shape and 3D shape,
respectively.
[0021] Note that the 2D lobe 18 is not a 2D structure but is rather
a 3D structure, since the 2D lobe 18 is laid over the 3D volume 20.
In other words, the 2D lobe 18 would be a 2D structure if the 2D
lobe 18 where laid over a 2D plane. However, the 2D lobe 18 is a 3D
structure because the 3D volume 20 provides a 3D manifold, and the
2D lobe 18 is folded onto the 3D volume 20. The 2D lobe 18 may be
any conductive structure that is at least partially bounded so as
to form a loop, since the 2D lobe 18 curves back in on itself. In
other words, the face of the 2D lobe 18 has been bent so that at
the 2D lobe 18 surrounds a perimeter of a 3D area at the boundary
of the 3D volume 20.
[0022] To form the conductive path 16, the 3D inductor 10 comprises
four elongated via columns (referred to generically as element 24,
and specifically as elongated via columns 24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d).
Each of the elongated via columns 24 is formed by a stack of solid
via bars 26. Also, to form the conductive path 16, the 3D inductor
10 of FIG. 1 also comprises three connector plates 28, 30a, and
30b. The connector plate 28 connects the elongated via column 24b
to the elongated via column 24c on a first vertical side SA of the
3D inductor 10. On a second vertical side SB of the 3D inductor 10
that is antipodal to the first vertical side SA, the connector
plate 30a connects the elongated via column 24a to the elongated
via column 24b, and the connector plate 30b connects the elongated
via column 24c to the elongated via column 24d. The 3D inductor 10
of FIG. 1 further comprises two terminal plates 32 and 34 to form
part of the conductive path 16. The terminal plates 32 and 34
comprise a terminal connection for the 3D inductor 10 and are
connected to the elongated via columns 24a, 24d, respectively, at
the first vertical side SA. The terminal plates 32 and 34 can be
connected to ports P32 and P34, respectively, for connection to an
external component, such as, but not limited to, a tunable
capacitor.
[0023] Current from the port P32 flows to and across the terminal
plate 32 down the elongated via column 24a to the connector plate
30a. The current flow continues across the connector plate 30a up
through the elongated via column 24b to the connector plate 28. The
current flow then continues across the connector plate 28 down
through the elongated via column 24c to the connector plate 30b.
The current flow continues up through the elongated via column 24d
to the terminal plate 34 and up through the port P34.
[0024] Note that the solid via bars 26 are elongated, and thus each
of the elongated via columns 24 are elongated relative to a plane.
Accordingly, the elongated via column 24a is elongated with respect
to a plane 36a, the elongated via column 24b is elongated with
respect to a plane 36b, the elongated via column 24c is elongated
with respect to a plane 36c, and the elongated via column 24d is
elongated with respect to a plane 36d. Thus, a cross sectional
horizontal area of each of the elongated via columns 24 has a major
axis longer than a minor axis. Note also that each of the connector
plates 28, 30a, 30b are each shaped as a trapezoid where the
exterior parallel edge of each the connector plates 28, 30a, 30b
provides the short base of the trapezoid, while the interior
parallel edge of each of the connector plates 28, 30a, 30b provides
the long base of the trapezoid. The opposite disposed end edges of
each the connector plates 28, 30a, 30b provide the legs of the
trapezoid. In this case, each of the connector plates 28, 30a, 30b
is shaped as an isosceles trapezoid where an angle between each of
the legs to the long base is approximately 45 degrees while an
angle between each of the legs and the short base is approximately
135 degrees. Each of the elongated via columns is angled so that
their respective planes 36 is substantially parallel with the end
edge of the connector plates that the respective elongated via
column 24 with which the elongated via column connects. Thus, each
elongated via column 24 connects to the connector plates 28, 30a,
30b such that an angle between the respective plane 36 of the
elongated via column 24 and the interior edge of the connector
plate 28, 30a, 30b it connects to is approximately 45 degrees,
while an angle between the respective plane 36 of the elongated via
column 24 and the exterior edge of the connector plate 28, 30a, 30b
it connects to is approximately 135 degrees. Similarly, the
terminal plates 32, 34 are each shaped as trapezoids, but in this
case, right trapezoids. However, the combination of the terminal
plates 32, 34 would form the same trapezoid as the connector plates
28, 30a, 30b except that there is a gap between each of the right
angled edges terminal plates 32, 34. Each of the angled edges of
the terminal plates 32, 34 (where the terminal plates 32, 34
connect to the elongated via columns 24a, 24d) has the same angular
relationship with the elongated via columns 24a, 24d as each of the
connector plates 28, 30a, 30b has with the elongated via columns
24a, 24b, 24c, 24d. These angular relationships allow the
conductive path 16 to wrap symmetrically in three dimensions while
preventing current crowding by maintaining substantially equal
current paths.
[0025] Note then that each of the elongated via columns 24 has an
interior column surface and an exterior column surface oppositely
disposed from one another. For each of the elongated via columns
24, the interior column surface faces toward an interior of the 3D
inductor 10, while the exterior column surface faces toward an
exterior of the 3D inductor 10. As shown in FIG. 1, the plane 36a
and the plane 36c are substantially parallel so that an interior
column surface of the elongated via column 24a and an interior
column surface of the elongated via column 24c face one another.
Furthermore, the plane 36b and the plane 36d are substantially
parallel so that the interior column surface of the elongated via
column 24b and the interior column surface of the elongated via
column 24d face one another. However, the plane 36a and the plane
36c are each transverse to both the plane 36b and the plane 36d.
The planes 36a, 36b, 36c, and 36d thus all intersect at vertical
side SA to define a square footprint and all intersect at vertical
side SB to define another square footprint.
[0026] With regard to the embodiment of the 3D inductor 10 shown in
FIG. 1, the conductive path 16 of the 2D lobe 18 extends from the
terminal plate 32 to the terminal plate 34. The 2D lobe 18 is open
so as to define a gap 38 in the 2D lobe 18 between the terminal
plate 32 and the terminal plate 34. The 2D lobe 18 is formed such
that the conductive path 16 extends out of the terminal plate 32
and loops back to the terminal plate 34 back towards the gap 38.
The terminal plate 32 is connected to a connecting end of the
elongated via column 24a at the side SA. In this embodiment, the
conductive path 16 forms a first turn 40 of the 3D inductor 10. To
form the first turn 40, the connector plate 30a is connected to a
connecting end of the elongated via column 24a at the side SB.
Also, the connector plate 30a is connected to a connecting end of
the elongated via column 24b at the vertical side SB. In this
manner, the elongated via column 24a, the connector plate 30a, and
the elongated via column 34b form the first turn 40. The connector
plate 28 provides a bend that bounds the 2D lobe 18 so that the 2D
lobe 18 curves back on itself. The connector plate 28 is connected
to a connecting end of the elongated via column 24c at the vertical
side SA. The conductive path 16 forms a second turn 42 of the 3D
inductor 10 that loops the 2D lobe 18 back toward the gap 38 and
the terminal plate 34. To form the second turn 42, the connector
plate 30b is connected to a connecting end of the elongated via
column 24c at the vertical side SB. The connector plate 30b is also
connected to a connecting end of the elongated via column 24d at
the vertical side SB. Thus, the elongated via column 34c, the
connector plate 30b, and the elongated via column 34d form the
second turn 42. Furthermore, note that the first turn 40 and the
second turn 42 are connected to form a third turn 44. More
specifically, the elongated via column 34b, the connector plate 28,
and the elongated via column 34c form the third turn 44.
[0027] The magnetic field H (represented by cones in FIG. 1) is
generated by the 3D inductor 10 in response to a current. The
intensity and direction of the magnetic field is indicated by the
size of the cones. By laying the 2D lobe 18 of the conductive path
16 of the 3D inductor 10 over the 3D volume 20, the conductive path
16 is configured to generate a magnetic field H that predominately
embraces the conductive path 16 along an interior of the 3D
inductor 10. Thus, the magnetic field H predominately embraces the
interior surfaces of the elongated via column 24a, the elongated
via column 24b, the elongated via column 24c, the elongated via
column 24d, the connector plate 28, the 3D volume 20, the terminal
plate 32, and the terminal plate 34. The magnetic field H gets
weaker towards a geometric centroid of the 3D inductor 10. A
majority of magnetic energy of the magnetic field H is stored
inside the 3D inductor 10 and within the 3D volume 20. Also, the
magnetic field lines of the magnetic field H are predominately
destructive on an exterior of the 3D inductor 10 and the 3D volume
20 of the 3D inductor 10. The magnetic field lines of the magnetic
field H are predominately destructive outside the 3D inductor 10
and the 3D volume 20 because magnetic field line subtraction
dominates outside the 3D inductor 10 and the 3D volume 20 so that a
minority of the magnetic energy of the magnetic field H is stored
outside of the 3D inductor 10 and the 3D volume 20.
[0028] As shown in FIG. 1, the 2D lobe 18 is laid over the 3D
volume 20 such that the conductive path 16 extends in three
orthogonal spatial dimensions. Thus, an RF signal propagates
through conductive path 16 in three orthogonal spatial dimensions,
and the conductive path 16 is a 3D conductive path. As such, all
three spatial dimensions are required to describe signal
propagation throughout the 2D lobe 18. Direction indicators are
drawn throughout the conductive path 16 to indicate directions of
current propagation throughout the 3D inductor 10. The spreading of
the magnetic field H in all three dimensions helps achieve weak
coupling, since little energy is concentrated in any given
direction.
[0029] An x-axis, a y-axis, and a z-axis are shown in FIG. 1 with
an origin at a geometric centroid of the 3D inductor 10 and the 3D
volume 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the first turn 40 and the second
turn 42 face one another and are substantially symmetrical with
respect to an x-z plane. The connector plate 28 connects the first
turn 40 and the second turn 42 so that the third turn faces the y-z
plane, which is traverse to the x-z plane. The 3D inductor 10 does
not have symmetry with respect to the x-y plane, which is
orthogonal to both the x-z plane and the y-z plane. However, on one
side of the x-y plane, the 3D inductor 10 is bounded, while on
another side of the x-y plane, the 3D inductor 10 is unbounded.
[0030] Due to the symmetry of the 3D inductor 10 shown in FIG. 1,
the 2D lobe 18 of the 3D inductor 10 is laid over the 3D volume 20
such that most inductor segments have a corresponding inductor
segment in the 3D inductor 10 such that current propagation in the
inductor segments is antipodal. For instance, except for the gap
38, inductor segments in the first turn 40 located on one side of
the x-z plane have a corresponding inductor segment in the second
turn 42 located on the other side of the x-z plane where current
propagation is antipodal. Similarly, except for the gap 38,
inductor segments in the third turn 44 located on one side of the
y-z plane have a corresponding inductor segment relative to a
segmented fourth turn 46 located on the other side of the y-z
plane. The segmented fourth turn 46 is formed by the terminal plate
32, the elongated via column 34a, the elongated via column 34d, and
the terminal plate 34. Accordingly, the magnetic field lines of the
magnetic field H that predominately embrace the conductive path 16
are predominately subtractive (canceling partially or completely)
outside the 3D inductor 10. However, lack of symmetry with respect
to the x-y plane ensures that this is not entirely the case
throughout.
[0031] FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 48 formed
by the conductive structure 15 of the substrate 12 shown in FIG. 1.
In this embodiment, the apparatus 48 includes a 3D inductor 10(1)
and a 3D inductor 10(2). The 3D inductor 10(1) is the same as the
3D inductor 10 shown in FIG. 1 such that the conductive path 16(1),
the 2D lobe 18(1), the 3D volume 20(1), the elongated via column
24a(1), the elongated via column 24b(1), the elongated via column
24c(1), the elongated via column 24d(1), the solid via bars 26(1),
the connector plate 28(1), the connector plate 30a(1), the
connector plate 30b(1), the terminal plate 32(1), the terminal
plate 34(1), the plane 36a(1), the plane 36b(1), the plane 36c(1),
the plane 36d(1), the gap 38(1), the first turn 40(1), the second
turn 42(1), the third turn 44(1), and the segmented fourth turn
46(1), are substantially the same as the conductive path 16, the 2D
lobe 18, the 3D volume 20, the elongated via column 24a, the
elongated via column 24b, the elongated via column 24c, the
elongated via column 24d, the solid via bars 26, the connector
plate 28, the connector plate 30a, the connector plate 30b, the
terminal plate 32, the terminal plate 34, the plane 36a, the plane
36b, the plane 36c, the plane 36d, the gap 38, the first turn 40,
the second turn 42, the third turn 44, and the segmented fourth
turn 46 described above with respect to FIG. 1. The 3D inductor
10(2) also is the same as the 3D inductor 10 shown in FIG. 1 such
that the conductive path 16(2), the 2D lobe 18(2), the 3D volume
20(2), the elongated via column 24a(2), the elongated via column
24b(2), the elongated via column 24c(2), the elongated via column
24d(2), the solid via bars 26(2), the connector plate 28(2), the
connector plate 30a(2), the connector plate 30b(2), the terminal
plate 32(2), the terminal plate 34(2), the plane 36a(2), the plane
36b(2), the plane 36c(2), the plane 36d(2), the gap 38(2), the
first turn 40(2), the second turn 42(2), the third turn 44(2), and
the segmented fourth turn 46(2), are substantially the same as the
conductive path 16, the 2D lobe 18, the 3D volume 20, the elongated
via column 24a, the elongated via column 24b, the elongated via
column 24c, the elongated via column 24d, the solid via bars 26,
the connector plate 28, the connector plate 30a, the connector
plate 30b, the terminal plate 32, the terminal plate 34, the plane
36a, the plane 36b, the plane 36c, the plane 36d, the gap 38, the
first turn 40, the second turn 42, the third turn 44, and the
segmented fourth turn 46 described above with respect to FIG.
1.
[0032] As shown in FIG. 2, the 3D inductor 10(2) is inserted into
the 3D inductor 10(1) so that the conductive path 16(2) partially
extends through the 3D volume 20(1). As such, the 3D inductor 10(2)
is inserted into the 3D inductor 10(1) so that 3D volume 20(2)
partially overlaps the 3D volume 20(1). In this embodiment, the
third turn 44(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the first turn 40(2)
of the 3D inductor 10(2) are interweaved so that the elongated via
column 24a(2) of the conductive path 16(2) extends through the 3D
volume 20(1) and the interior of the 3D inductor 10(1). As a
result, the 3D inductor 10(1) is also inserted within the 3D
inductor 10(2) so that the conductive path 16(1) partially extends
through the 3D volume 20(2). More specifically, the second turn
42(1) is interweaved with the segmented fourth turn 46(2). Thus,
the elongated via column 24c(1) extends though the 3D volume 20(2).
However, the connector plate 28(2), the elongated via column 24c(2)
and the elongated via column 24d(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) are
outside of the 3D volume 20(1) and at an exterior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). Additionally, the elongated via column 24a(1), the
connector plate 28(1), and the elongated via column 24d(1) of the
3D inductor 10(1) are outside and at an exterior of the 3D inductor
10(2).
[0033] By at inserting the 3D inductor 10(2) into the 3D inductor
10(1), the 3D inductor 10(2) can be magnetically coupled to the 3D
inductor 10(1). In this embodiment, the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
3D inductor 10(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner but
have a displacement relative to the x-axis and a displacement
relative to the y-axis. There is no displacement with respect to
the z-axis. The conductive path 16(1) is shaped as the 2D lobe
18(1) laid over the 3D volume 20(1) such that, in response to a
current I(1) being provided through the conductive path 16(1), the
conductive path 16(1) is configured to generate a magnetic field
H(1) that predominately embraces the conductive path 16(1) along
the interior of the 3D inductor 10(1), as shown by the magnetic
field H described above with respect to FIG. 1. The conductive path
16(2) is shaped as the 2D lobe 18(2) laid over the 3D volume 20(2)
such that, in response to a current I(2) being provided through the
conductive path 16(2), the conductive path 16(2) is configured to
generate a magnetic field H(2) that predominately embraces the
conductive path 16(2) along the interior of the 3D inductor 10(2),
in the same manner as the magnetic field H described above with
respect to FIG. 1.
[0034] With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 2, the
elongated via column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
elongated via column 24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) are
magnetically coupled to one another. Also, the elongated via column
24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column 24c(2)
of the 3D inductor 10(2) are magnetically coupled to one another.
As shown in FIG. 2, the elongated via column 24a(1) has a first
interior column surface facing toward the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1) and a first exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(1). The elongated via
column 24b(1) has a second interior column surface facing toward
the interior of the 3D inductor 10(1) and a second exterior column
surface that faces toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(1).
The elongated via column 24c(1) has a third interior column surface
facing toward the interior of the 3D inductor 10(1) and a third
exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). The elongated via column 24d(1) has a fourth
interior column surface facing toward the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1) and a fourth exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(1). The elongated via
column 24a(2) has a fifth interior column surface facing toward an
interior of the 3D inductor 10(2) and a fifth exterior column
surface that faces toward an exterior of the 3D inductor 10(2). The
elongated via column 24b(2) has a sixth interior column surface
facing toward the interior of the 3D inductor 10(2) and a sixth
exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the 3D
inductor 10(2). The elongated via column 24c(2) has a seventh
interior column surface facing toward the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(2) and a seventh exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(2). Finally, the
elongated via column 24d(2) has an eighth interior column surface
facing toward the interior of the 3D inductor 10(2) and a eighth
exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of the 3D
inductor 10(2).
[0035] As mentioned above, the elongated via column 24a(1) of the
3D inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column 24a(2) of the 3D
inductor 10(2) are magnetically coupled to one another. To do this,
the first interior column surface of the elongated via column
24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) faces the fifth exterior column
surface of the elongated via column 24a(2) of the 3D inductor
10(2). Thus, note that the first plane 36a(1) and the first plane
36a(2) are substantially parallel to one another. The magnetic
field H(1) is generated so as to embrace the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1), as described above with respect to the magnetic
field H shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, an x-y displacement between
the first interior column surface of the elongated via column
24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the fifth exterior column
surface of the elongated via column 24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2)
determines an amount of magnetic coupling between the elongated via
column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column
24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2).
[0036] Also, the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor
10(1) and the elongated via column 24c(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2)
are magnetically coupled to one another. To do this, the third
exterior column surface of the elongated via column 24c(1) of the
3D inductor 10(1) faces the seventh interior column surface of the
elongated via column 24c(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2). Thus, note
that the third plane 36c(1) and the third plane 36c(2) are
substantially parallel to one another. The magnetic field H(2) is
generated so as to embrace the interior of the 3D inductor 10(2),
as described above with respect to the magnetic field H shown in
FIG. 1. Accordingly, an x-y displacement between the third exterior
column surface of the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D
inductor 10(1) and the seventh interior column surface of the
elongated via column 24c(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) determines an
amount of magnetic coupling between the elongated via column 24c(1)
of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column 24c(2) of the
3D inductor 10(2). Note that in FIG. 2, the first plane 36a(1), the
first plane 36a(2), the third plane 36c(1), and the third plane
36c(2) all face one another and are oriented in the same manner.
More specifically a common diagonal can be drawn to intersect each
of the first plane 36a(1), the first plane 36a(2), the third plane
36c(1), and the third plane 36c(2) in a substantially perpendicular
manner.
[0037] The elongated via column 24b(1) and the elongated via column
24b(2) are adjacent to one another. However, the elongated via
column 24b(1) and the elongated via column 24b(2) do not provide
significant coupling. Rather, the second plane 36b(1) of elongated
via column 24b(1) and the second plane 36b(2) of the elongated via
column 24b(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner. As
such, the second interior column surface of elongated via column
24b(1) and the sixth interior column surface of elongated via
column 24b(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner, and
the second exterior column surface of elongated via column 24b(1)
and the sixth exterior column surface of elongated via column
24b(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner. Therefore,
the elongated via column 24b(1) and the elongated via column 24b(2)
have each of their thin sides next to one another, which does not
provide significant coupling.
[0038] The elongated via column 24d(1) and the elongated via column
24d(2) are adjacent to one another. However, the elongated via
column 24d(1) and the elongated via column 24d(2) do not provide
significant coupling. Rather, the fourth plane 36d(1) of elongated
via column 24d(1) and the fourth plane 36d(2) of the elongated via
column 24d(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner. As
such, the fourth interior column surface of elongated via column
24d(1) and the eighth interior column surface of elongated via
column 24d(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner, and
the fourth exterior column surface of elongated via column 24d(1)
and the eighth exterior column surface of elongated via column
24d(2) are oriented in substantially the same manner. Therefore,
the elongated via column 24d(1) and the elongated via column 24d(2)
have each of their thin sides next to one another, which does not
provide significant coupling.
[0039] FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B illustrate one embodiment of an
apparatus 50 formed by the conductive structure 15 of the substrate
12 shown in FIG. 1. The apparatus 50 includes the 3D inductor 10(1)
and the 3D inductor 10(2) described above with respect to FIG. 2.
However, in this embodiment, the 3D inductor 10(2) is oriented in a
different manner than the 3D inductor 10(1). It should be noted
that the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2) have been
drawn in a more simplified manner in FIG. 3A and FIG. 3B for the
sake of clarity. The 3D inductors 10(1), 10(2) are weakly
magnetically coupled to one another. In alternative embodiments,
the 3D inductors 10(1), 10(2) may be provided to be moderately
magnetically coupled or strongly magnetically coupled.
[0040] As shown in FIG. 3A, the 3D inductor 10(2) is rotated with
respect to the 3D inductor 10(1) relative to the x-y plane. In this
embodiment, the 3D inductor 10(2) is rotated with respect to the 3D
inductor 10(1) relative to the x-y plane by approximately 90
degrees. Thus, the first turn 40(2) and the second turn 42(2) of
the 3D inductor 10(2) each face the y-z plane while the third turn
44(2) and the segmented fourth turn 46(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2)
each face the x-z plane. The 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor
10(2) also have x-y displacement. However, as shown in FIG. 3B, the
3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2) also have a
displacement relative to the z-axis. the displacement relative to
the z-axis allows the connector plate 28(1) to cross the connector
plate 28(2) and allows the connector plate 30b(1) to cross the
connector plate 30a(2).
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 3B, the 3D inductor 10(2) is inserted
into the 3D inductor 10(1) so that the conductive path 16(2)
partially extends through the 3D volume 20(1). As such, the 3D
inductor 10(2) is inserted into the 3D inductor 10(1) so that 3D
volume 20(2) partially overlaps the 3D volume 20(1). In this
embodiment, the third turn 44(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
third turn 44(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) are interweaved so that
the elongated via column 24b(2) of the conductive path 16(2)
extends through the 3D volume 20(1) and the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). Additionally, the connector plate 28(2) partially
extends through the 3D volume 20(1). Furthermore, the 3D inductor
10(1) is also inserted within the 3D inductor 10(2) so that the
conductive path 16(1) partially extends through the 3D volume
20(2). More specifically, the second turn 42(1) is interwoven with
the first turn 40(2). Thus, the elongated via column 24c(1) extends
though the 3D volume 20(2). Additionally, the connector plate
30b(1) partially extends through the 3D volume 20(2). However, the
connector plate 30b(2), the elongated via column 24c(1), the
elongated via column 24c(2), and the elongated via column 24d(2) of
the 3D inductor 10(2) are outside of the 3D volume 20(1) and at the
exterior of the 3D inductor 10(1). Additionally, the elongated via
column 24a(1), the elongated via column 24b(1), the connector plate
30a(1), and the elongated via column 24d(1) of the 3D inductor
10(1) are outside and at the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(2).
[0042] By inserting the 3D inductor 10(2) into the 3D inductor
10(1), the 3D inductor 10(2) can be magnetically coupled to the 3D
inductor 10(1). As explained above, the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
3D inductor 10(2) shown in FIG. 3 are oriented so that the 3D
inductor 10(2) is rotated by 90 degrees relative to the x-y-axis.
Furthermore, the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2) have a
displacement relative to the x-axis, a displacement relative to the
y-axis, and a displacement relative to the z-axis. The conductive
path 16(1) is shaped as the 2D lobe 18(1) laid over the 3D volume
20(1) such that, in response to a current I(1) being provided
through the conductive path 16(1), the conductive path 16(1) is
configured to generate the magnetic field H(1) that predominately
embraces the conductive path 16(1) along the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1), as shown by the magnetic field H described above
with respect to FIG. 1. The conductive path 16(2) is shaped as the
2D lobe 18(2) laid over the 3D volume 20(2) such that, in response
to a current I(2) being provided through the conductive path 16(2),
the conductive path 16(2) is configured to generate a magnetic
field H(2) that predominately embraces the conductive path 16(2)
along the interior of the 3D inductor 10(2) in the same manner as
the magnetic field H described above with respect to FIG. 1, except
rotated relative to the x-y plane by 90 degrees.
[0043] With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the
elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
elongated via column 24b(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) are
magnetically coupled to one another. To do this, the third interior
column surface of the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D
inductor 10(1) faces the sixth interior column surface of the
elongated via column 24b(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2). Thus, note
that the first plane 36c(1) and the second plane 36b(2) are
substantially parallel to one another. The magnetic field H(1) is
generated so as to embrace the interior of the 3D inductor 10(1),
as described above with respect to the magnetic field H shown in
FIG. 1 except rotated by 90 degrees relative to the x-y plane.
Accordingly, an x-y displacement between the third interior column
surface of the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1)
and the sixth interior column surface of the elongated via column
24b(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) determines an amount of magnetic
coupling between the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor
10(1) and the elongated via column 24b(2) of the 3D inductor
10(2).
[0044] Additionally, the third exterior column surface of the
elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) faces the
eighth interior column surface of the elongated via column 24d(2)
of the 3D inductor 10(2). Thus, note that the third plane 36c(1)
and the fourth plane 36d(2) are substantially parallel to one
another. The magnetic field H(2) is generated so as to embrace the
interior of the 3D inductor 10(2), as described above with respect
to the magnetic field H shown in FIG. 1 except rotated by 90
degrees with respect to the x-y plane. Accordingly, an x-y
displacement between the third exterior column surface of the
elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the eighth
interior column surface of the elongated via column 24d(2) of the
3D inductor 10(2) determines an amount of magnetic coupling between
the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
elongated via column 24d(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2). In this
embodiment, the x-y displacement between the third exterior column
surface of the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1)
and the eighth interior column surface of the elongated via column
24d(2) of the second 3D inductor 10(2) is greater than the x-y
displacement from a geometric centroid of the 3D inductor 10(2) to
the third exterior column surface of the elongated via column
24c(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the eighth interior column
surface of the elongated via column 24d(2) of the second 3D
inductor 10(2). Therefore, the elongated via column 24c(1) of the
3D inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column 24d(2) of the second
3D inductor 10(2) are not significantly magnetically coupled.
[0045] Furthermore, the first interior column surface of the
elongated via column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) faces the
sixth exterior column surface of the elongated via column 24b(2) of
the 3D inductor 10(2). Thus, note that the first plane 36a(1) and
the second plane 36b(2) are substantially parallel to one another.
The magnetic field H(1) is generated so as to embrace the interior
of the 3D inductor 10(1), as described above with respect to the
magnetic field H shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, an x-y displacement
between the first interior column surface of the elongated via
column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the sixth exterior
column surface of the elongated via column 24b(2) of the 3D
inductor 10(2) determines an amount of magnetic coupling between
the elongated via column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
elongated via column 24b(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2). In this
embodiment, the x-y displacement between the first interior column
surface of the elongated via column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1)
and the sixth exterior column surface of the elongated via column
24b(2) of the second 3D inductor 10(2) is greater than the x-y
displacement from a geometric centroid of the 3D inductor 10(1) to
the first interior column surface of the elongated via column
24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the sixth exterior column
surface of the elongated via column 24b(2) of the second 3D
inductor 10(2). Therefore, the elongated via column 24a(1) of the
3D inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column 24b(2) of the second
3D inductor 10(2) are not significantly magnetically coupled. Note
however that in FIG. 3B, the first plane 36a(1), the second plane
36b(2), the third plane 36c(1), and the fourth plane 36d(2) all
face one another and are oriented in the same manner. More
specifically, a common diagonal can be drawn to intersect each of
the first plane 36a(1), the first plane 36a(2), the third plane
36c(1), and the third plane 36c(2) in a substantially perpendicular
manner.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 3B, the elongated via column 24b(1) and the
elongated via column 24c(2) are adjacent to one another. However,
the elongated via column 24b(1) and the elongated via column 24c(2)
do not provide significant coupling. Rather, the second plane
36b(1) of elongated via column 24b(1) and the third plane 36c(2) of
the elongated via column 24c(2) are oriented in substantially the
same manner. As such, the second interior column surface of
elongated via column 24b(1) and the seventh interior column surface
of elongated via column 24c(2) are oriented in substantially the
same manner, and the second exterior column surface of elongated
via column 24b(1) and the seventh exterior column surface of
elongated via column 24c(2) are oriented in substantially the same
manner. Therefore, the elongated via column 24b(1) and the
elongated via column 24c(2) have each of their thin sides next to
one another, which does not provide significant coupling.
[0047] Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 3B, the elongated via column
24d(1) and the elongated via column 24a(2) are adjacent to one
another. However, the elongated via column 24d(1) and the elongated
via column 24a(2) do not provide significant coupling. Rather, the
fourth plane 36d(1) of elongated via column 24d(1) and the first
plane 36a(2) of the elongated via column 24a(2) are oriented in
substantially the same manner. As such, the fourth interior column
surface of elongated via column 24d(1) and the fifth interior
column surface of elongated via column 24a(2) are oriented in
substantially the same manner, and the fourth exterior column
surface of elongated via column 24d(1) and the fifth exterior
column surface of elongated via column 24a(2) are oriented in
substantially the same manner. Therefore, the elongated via column
24d(1) and the elongated via column 24a(2) have each of their thin
sides next to one another, which does not provide significant
coupling.
[0048] FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of an apparatus 52 formed
by the conductive structure 15 of the substrate 12 shown in FIG. 1.
In this embodiment, the apparatus 52 includes the 3D inductor
10(1), the 3D inductor 10(2), and a 3D inductor 10(3). The 3D
inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2) are the same as those
described above with respect to FIG. 2 and are oriented in the
manner as described above with respect to FIG. 2. Thus, the
orientation and magnetic coupling between the elongated via columns
24a(1), 24b(1), 24c(1), and 24d(1) and the elongated via columns
24a(2), 24b(2), 24c(2), and 24d(2) is the same as described above
with respect to FIG. 2.
[0049] With respect to the 3D inductor 10(3) shown in FIG. 4, the
3D inductor 10(3) is the same as the 3D inductor 10 shown in FIG. 1
such that the conductive path 16(3), the 2D lobe 18(3), the 3D
volume 20(3), the elongated via column 24a(3), the elongated via
column 24b(3), the elongated via column 24c(3), the elongated via
column 24d(3), the solid via bars 26(3), the connector plate 28(3),
the connector plate 30a(3), the connector plate 30b(3), the
terminal plate 32(3), the terminal plate 34(3), the plane 36a(3),
the plane 36b(3), the plane 36c(3), the plane 36d(3), the gap
38(3), the first turn 40(3), the second turn 42(3), the third turn
44(3), and the segmented fourth turn 46(3), are substantially the
same as the conductive path 16, the 2D lobe 18, the 3D volume 20,
the elongated via column 24a, the elongated via column 24b, the
elongated via column 24c, the elongated via column 24d, the solid
via bars 26, the connector plate 28, the connector plate 30a, the
connector plate 30b, the terminal plate 32, the terminal plate 34,
the plane 36a, the plane 36b, the plane 36c, the plane 36d, the gap
38, the first turn 40, the second turn 42, the third turn 44, and
the segmented fourth turn 46 described above with respect to FIG.
1. The 3D inductor 10(3) is also inserted within the 3D inductor
10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2). The 3D inductor 10(1) is the same
as the 3D inductor 10(2) described above with respect to FIG. 2.
The 3D inductor 10(1) is the same as the 3D inductor 10 shown in
FIG. 1 such that the conductive path 16(1), the 2D lobe 18(1), the
3D volume 20(1), the elongated via column 24a(1), the elongated via
column 24b(1), the elongated via column 24c(1), the elongated via
column 24d(1), the solid via bars 26(1), the connector plate 28(1),
the connector plate 30a(1), the connector plate 30b(1), the
terminal plate 32(1), the terminal plate 34(1), the plane 36a(1),
the plane 36b(1), the plane 36c(1), the plane 36d(1), the gap
38(1), the first turn 40(1), the second turn 42(1), the third turn
44(1), and the segmented fourth turn 46(1), are substantially the
same as the conductive path 16, the 2D lobe 18, the 3D volume 20,
the elongated via column 24a, the elongated via column 24b, the
elongated via column 24c, the elongated via column 24d, the solid
via bars 26, the connector plate 28, the connector plate 30a, the
connector plate 30b, the terminal plate 32, the terminal plate 34,
the plane 36a, the plane 36b, the plane 36c, the plane 36d, the gap
38, the first turn 40, the second turn 42, the third turn 44, and
the segmented fourth turn 46 described above with respect to FIG.
1. The 3D inductor 10(2) also is the same as the 3D inductor 10
shown in FIG. 1 such that the conductive path 16(2), the 2D lobe
18(2), the 3D volume 20(2), the elongated via column 24a(2), the
elongated via column 24b(2), the elongated via column 24c(2), the
elongated via column 24d(2), the solid via bars 26(2), the
connector plate 28(2), the connector plate 30a(2), the connector
plate 30b(2), the terminal plate 32(2), the terminal plate 34(2),
the plane 36a(2), the plane 36b(2), the plane 36c(2), the plane
36d(2), the gap 38(2), the first turn 40(2), the second turn 42(2),
the third turn 44(2), and the segmented fourth turn 46(2), are
substantially the same as the conductive path 16, the 2D lobe 18,
the 3D volume 20, the elongated via column 24a, the elongated via
column 24b, the elongated via column 24c, the elongated via column
24d, the solid via bars 26, the connector plate 28, the connector
plate 30a, the connector plate 30b, the terminal plate 32, the
terminal plate 34, the plane 36a, the plane 36b, the plane 36c, the
plane 36d, the gap 38, the first turn 40, the second turn 42, the
third turn 44, and the segmented fourth turn 46 described above
with respect to FIG. 1.
[0050] As shown in FIG. 4, the 3D inductor 10(3) is inserted into
the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2) so that the
conductive path 16(3) at least partially extends through the 3D
volume 20(1) and the 3D volume 20(2). As such, more than two 3D
inductors, namely the 3D inductors 10(1), 10(2), 10(3) are weakly
magnetically coupled to one another and are disposed in a chain
configuration. Note that in alternative embodiments any number of
3D inductors may be weakly magnetically coupled to one another in
this manner. Furthermore, in alternative embodiments, the 3D
inductors 10(1), 10(2) 10(3) may be provided to be moderately
magnetically coupled or strongly magnetically coupled.
[0051] As such, the 3D inductor 10(3) is inserted into the 3D
inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2) so that 3D volume 20(3)
partially overlaps the 3D volume 20(1) and the 3D volume 20(2). In
this embodiment, the third turn 44(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and
the first turn 40(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3) are interweaved so
that the elongated via column 24a(3) of the conductive path 16(3)
extends through the 3D volume 20(1) and the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). As a result, the 3D inductor 10(1) is also inserted
within the 3D inductor 10(3) so that the conductive path 16(1)
partially extends through the 3D volume 20(3). More specifically,
the second turn 42(1) is interweaved with the segmented fourth turn
46(3). Thus, the elongated via column 24c(1) extends though the 3D
volume 20(3). However, the connector plate 28(3), the elongated via
column 24c(3), and the elongated via column 24d(3) of the 3D
inductor 10(3) are outside of the 3D volume 20(1) and at an
exterior of the 3D inductor 10(1). Additionally, the elongated via
column 24a(1), the connector plate 28(1), and the elongated via
column 24d(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) are outside and at an
exterior of the 3D inductor 10(3).
[0052] Also, in this embodiment, the third turn 44(2) of the 3D
inductor 10(2) and the first turn 40(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3)
are interweaved so that the elongated via column 24a(3) of the
conductive path 16(3) extends through the 3D volume 20(2) and the
interior of the 3D inductor 10(2). As a result, the 3D inductor
10(2) is also inserted within the 3D inductor 10(3) so that the
conductive path 16(2) partially extends through the 3D volume
20(3). More specifically, the second turn 42(2) is interweaved with
the segmented fourth turn 46(3). Thus, the elongated via column
24c(2) extends though the 3D volume 20(3). However, the connector
plate 28(3), the elongated via column 24c(3), and the elongated via
column 24d(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3) are outside of the 3D volume
20(2) and at an exterior of the 3D inductor 10(2). Additionally,
the elongated via column 24a(2), the connector plate 28(2), and the
elongated via column 24d(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) are outside
and at an exterior of the 3D inductor 10(3).
[0053] By at inserting the 3D inductor 10(3) into the 3D inductor
10(1) and the 3D inductor 10(2), the 3D inductor 10(3) can be
magnetically coupled to the 3D inductor 10(1) and to the 3D
inductor 10(2). In this embodiment, the 3D inductor 10(3) is
oriented in substantially the same manner as the 3D inductor 10(1)
and the 3D inductor 10(2). However, the 3D inductor 10(3) has a
displacement relative to the x-axis and a displacement relative to
the y-axis with respect to the 3D inductor 10(2) and an even
greater displacement relative to the x-axis and an even greater
displacement relative to the y-axis with respect to the 3D inductor
10(1). There is no displacement with respect to respect to the
z-axis. It should be noted that in alternative embodiments, the 3D
inductor 10(3) may be oriented differently than the 3D inductor
10(1) and to the 3D inductor 10(2). Furthermore, in still other
alternative embodiments, the 3D inductors 10(1), 10(2), 10(3) may
all have different orientations.
[0054] The conductive path 16(3) is shaped as the 2D lobe 18(3)
laid over the 3D volume 20(3) such that, in response to a current
I(3) being provided through the conductive path 16(3), the
conductive path 16(3) is configured to generate a magnetic field
H(3) that predominately embraces the conductive path 16(3) along
the interior of the 3D inductor 10(3), as shown by the magnetic
field H described above with respect to FIG. 1.
[0055] With respect to the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the
elongated via column 24a(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
elongated via column 24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) are
magnetically coupled to one another, as described above with
respect to FIG. 2. Also, the elongated via column 24c(1) of the 3D
inductor 10(1) and the elongated via column 24c(2) of the 3D
inductor 10(2) are magnetically coupled to one another, as
described above with respect to FIG. 2. Additionally, in this
embodiment, the elongated via column 24a(2) of the 3D inductor
10(2) and the elongated via column 24a(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3)
are magnetically coupled to one another, as described above with
respect to FIG. 2. Also, the elongated via column 24c(2) of the 3D
inductor 10(2) and the elongated via column 24c(3) of the 3D
inductor 10(3) are magnetically coupled to one another.
[0056] As shown in FIG. 4, the elongated via column 24a(3) has a
ninth interior column surface facing toward the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(3) and a ninth exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(3). The elongated via
column 24b(3) has a tenth interior column surface facing toward the
interior of the 3D inductor 10(3) and a tenth exterior column
surface that faces toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(3).
The elongated via column 24c(3) has an eleventh interior column
surface facing toward the interior of the 3D inductor 10(3) and an
eleventh exterior column surface that faces toward the exterior of
the 3D inductor 10(3). The elongated via column 24d(3) has a
twelfth interior column surface facing toward the interior of the
3D inductor 10(3) and a twelfth exterior column surface that faces
toward the exterior of the 3D inductor 10(3).
[0057] As mentioned above, the elongated via column 24a(2) of the
3D inductor 10(2) and the elongated via column 24a(3) of the 3D
inductor 10(3) are magnetically coupled to one another. To do this,
the fifth interior column surface of the elongated via column
24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) faces the ninth exterior column
surface of the elongated via column 24a(3) of the 3D inductor
10(3). Thus, note that the first plane 36a(2) and the first plane
36a(3) are substantially parallel to one another. The magnetic
field H(2) is generated so as to embrace the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(2), as described above with respect to the magnetic
field H shown in FIG. 1. Accordingly, an x-y displacement between
the fifth interior column surface of the elongated via column
24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) and the ninth exterior column
surface of the elongated via column 24a(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3)
determines an amount of magnetic coupling between the elongated via
column 24a(2) of the 3D inductor 10(2) and the elongated via column
24a(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3).
[0058] Also, the elongated via column 24c(2) of the 3D inductor
10(2) and the elongated via column 24c(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3)
are magnetically coupled to one another. To do this, the seventh
exterior column surface of the elongated via column 24c(2) of the
3D inductor 10(2) faces the eleventh interior column surface of the
elongated via column 24c(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3). Thus, note
that the third plane 36c(2) and the third plane 36c(3) are
substantially parallel to one another. The magnetic field H(3) is
generated so as to embrace the interior of the 3D inductor 10(3),
as described above with respect to the magnetic field H shown in
FIG. 1. Accordingly, an x-y displacement between the seventh
exterior column surface of the elongated via column 24c(2) of the
3D inductor 10(2) and the eleventh interior column surface of the
elongated via column 24c(3) of the 3D inductor 10(3) determines an
amount of magnetic coupling between the elongated via column 24c(2)
of the 3D inductor 10(2) and the elongated via column 24c(3) of the
3D inductor 10(3). Note that in FIG. 4, the first plane 36a(1),
first plane 36a(2), the first plane 36a(3), the third plane 36c(1),
the third plane 36c(2), and the third plane 36c(3) all face one
another and are oriented in the same manner. More specifically, a
common diagonal can be drawn to intersect each of the first plane
36a(1), first plane 36a(2), the first plane 36a(3), the third plane
36c(1), the third plane 36c(2), and the third plane 36c(3) in a
substantially perpendicular manner.
[0059] The elongated via column 24b(2) and the elongated via column
24b(3) are adjacent to one another. However, the elongated via
column 24b(2) and the elongated via column 24b(3) do not provide
significant coupling. Rather, the second plane 36b(2) of elongated
via column 24b(2) and the second plane 36b(3) of the elongated via
column 24b(3) are oriented in substantially the same manner. As
such, the sixth interior column surface of elongated via column
24b(2) and the tenth interior column surface of elongated via
column 24b(3) are oriented in substantially the same manner, and
the sixth exterior column surface of elongated via column 24b(2)
and the tenth exterior column surface of elongated via column
24b(3) are oriented in substantially the same manner. Therefore,
the elongated via column 24b(2) and the elongated via column 24b(3)
have each of their thin sides next to one another, which does not
provide significant coupling.
[0060] The elongated via column 24d(2) and the elongated via column
24d(3) are adjacent to one another. However, the elongated via
column 24d(2) and the elongated via column 24d(3) do not provide
significant coupling. Rather, the fourth plane 36d(2) of elongated
via column 24d(2) and the fourth plane 36d(3) of the elongated via
column 24d(3) are oriented in substantially the same manner. As
such, the eighth interior column surface of elongated via column
24d(2) and the twelfth interior column surface of elongated via
column 24d(3) are oriented in substantially the same manner, and
the eighth exterior column surface of elongated via column 24d(2)
and the twelfth exterior column surface of elongated via column
24d(3) are oriented in substantially the same manner. Therefore,
the elongated via column 24d(2) and the elongated via column 24d(3)
have each of their thin sides next to one another, which does not
provide significant coupling.
[0061] FIG. 5 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 54
formed by the conductive structure 15 of the substrate 12 shown in
FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the apparatus 54 includes the 3D
inductor 10(1) provided and oriented in the same manner described
above with respect to FIG. 2 and a 3D inductor 56. Note that the 3D
inductor 10(1) has been simplified in the illustration shown in
FIG. 2. The 3D inductor 56 has a conductive path 58, which extends
entirely within the 3D volume 20(1) within the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). The conductive path 58 is shaped as a 2D lobe 60,
which has been folded over a 3D volume 62. The 3D volume 62 is
entirely within the 3D volume 20(1). In this example, the 3D volume
20(1) is a cube, but in alternative embodiments may be of any
shape. The conductive path 58 of the 3D inductor 56 is formed by a
connector plate 64, a connector plate 66 connected to the connector
plate 64, an elongated column via 68 that connects at vertical side
SA to the connector plate 66, a connector plate 70 that connects at
vertical side SB to the elongated column via 68, and a connector
plate 72.
[0062] The connector plate 64 and the connector plate 72 both
extend in the x-direction but connector plate 64 is provided at
vertical side SA and connector plate 70 is provided at vertical
side SB. Also, the connector plate 66 and the connector plate 70
both extend in the y-direction but connector plate 70 is provided
at vertical side SA, and connector plate 70 is provided at vertical
side SB. A current I(56) is shown as it propagates through the
conductive path 58. The elongated column via 68 connects the
connector plate 66 and the connector plate 70 so that the current
I(56) flows in opposite directions through the connector plate 66
and the connector plate 70. Thus, the current I(56) also flows in
opposite directions through connector plate 64 and the connector
plate 72.
[0063] The elongated column via 68, the connector plate 66, and the
connector plate 70 of the conductive path 58 is shaped to form a
turn 74 that faces the third turn 44(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1).
However, the turn 74 has a transverse rotational orientation with
respect to the y-z plane. The turn 74 may be strongly magnetically
coupled to the third turn 44(1). Similarly, the connector plates
64, 66 may be may be strongly magnetically coupled to the first
turn 40(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1). However, the magnetic coupling
provided between the turn 74 and the third turn 44(1) opposes the
magnetic coupling provided between the connector plates 64, 66 and
the first turn 40(1). Thus, overall, the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
3D inductor 56 may be weakly magnetically coupled. The distance
between the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 56 along with the
dimensions of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 56 can thus
be selected to provide a desired magnetic coupling coefficient
between the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 56. In
alternative embodiments, the 3D inductors 10(1), 56 may be provided
to be moderately magnetically coupled or strongly magnetically
coupled.
[0064] FIG. 6 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 80
formed by the conductive structure 15 of the substrate 12 shown in
FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the apparatus 80 includes the 3D
inductor 10(1) provided and oriented in the same manner described
above with respect to FIG. 2 and a 3D inductor 82. Note that the 3D
inductor 10(1) has been simplified in the illustration shown in
FIG. 2. The 3D inductor 82 has a conductive path 84 which extends
entirely within the 3D volume 20(1) within the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). The conductive path 84 is shaped as a 2D lobe 86,
which has been folded over the 3D volume 62 as described in FIG. 5.
The 3D inductor 82 and the conductive path 84 are the same as the
3D inductor 56 and the conductive path 58 described above with
respect to FIG. 5, except that the 3D inductor 82 and the
conductive path 84 further include a connector plate 88 and a
connector plate 90. Since the 3D inductor 82 includes the connector
plate 64, the connector plate 66, the elongated via column 68, the
conductive plate 70 and the conductive plate 72, the elongated
column via 68, the connector plate 66, and the connector plate 70
of the conductive path 84 are shaped to form the turn 74 that faces
the third turn 44(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1), as described above
with respect to FIG. 5. However, in this embodiment, the connector
plate 88 is connected to the connector plate 64 so that the
connector plate 88, the connector plate 64, and the connector plate
66 form a turn 92. The connector plate 90 is connected to the
connector plate 70 so that the connector plate 90, the connector
plate 70, and the connector plate 72 form a turn 94.
[0065] The connector plate 64 and the connector plate 72 both
extend in the x-direction but connector plate 64 is provided at
vertical side SA and connector plate 70 is provided at vertical
side SB. Also, the connector plate 66 and the connector plate 70
both extend in the y-direction but connector plate 70 is provided
at vertical side SA and connector plate 70 is provided at vertical
side SB. A current I(82) is shown as it propagates through the
conductive path 84. The elongated column via 68 connects the
connector plate 66 and the connector plate 70 so that the current
I(82) flows in opposite directions through the connector plate 66
and the connector plate 70. Thus, the current I(82) also flows in
opposite directions through connector plate 64 and the connector
plate 72.
[0066] The elongated column via 68, the connector plate 66, and the
connector plate 70 of the conductive path 84 are shaped to form a
turn 74 that faces the third turn 44(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1).
However, the turn 74 has a transverse rotational orientation with
respect to the y-z plane. The turn 74 may be strongly magnetically
coupled to the third turn 44(1). Similarly, the connector plates
64, 66 may be may be strongly magnetically coupled to the first
turn 40(1) of the 3D inductor 10(1). However, the magnetic coupling
provided between the turn 74 and the third turn 44(1) opposes the
magnetic coupling provided between the connector plates 64, 66 and
the first turn 40(1). Thus, overall the 3D inductor 10(1) and the
3D inductor 82 may be weakly magnetically coupled. The distance
between the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 82 along with the
dimensions of the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 82 can thus
be selected to provide a desired magnetic coupling coefficient
between the 3D inductor 10(1) and the 3D inductor 82. The turn 92
and the turn 94 face one another and a symmetrical relative to the
x-y plane. The x-y plane is transverse to the x-z plane and the x-y
plane. In this manner, the turns 92, 94 can be strongly coupled to
the turns 40(1), 42(1) but the opposing magnetic coupling between
the different segments of the 3D inductors 10(1), 82 can thus
provide overall weak magnetic coupling between the 3D inductors
10(1), 82. In alternative embodiments, the 3D inductors 10(1), 82
may be provided to be moderately magnetically coupled or strongly
magnetically coupled.
[0067] FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of an apparatus 100
formed by the conductive structure 15 of the substrate 12 shown in
FIG. 1. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 includes the 3D
inductor 10(1) provided and oriented in the same manner described
above with respect to FIG. 2 and a 3D inductor 102. Note that the
3D inductor 10(1) has been simplified in the illustration shown in
FIG. 7. The 3D inductor 102 has a conductive path 104 that extends
entirely within the 3D volume 20(1) within the interior of the 3D
inductor 10(1). The conductive path 104 is shaped to define an
interior of a 3D volume 106. The conductive path 104 of the 3D
inductor 102 includes an elongated via column 24a(4), 24b(4),
24c(4), and 24d(4), which are the same as the elongated via column
24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d described above with respect to FIG. 1,
except that the elongated via column 24a(4), 24b(4), 24c(4), and
24d(4), are proportioned so as to be smaller so as to fit inside
the 3D volume 20(1).
[0068] In this embodiment, a connector plate 108 connects the
elongated via column 24a(4) to the elongated via column 24b(4) on
the vertical side SA. A connector plate 110 connects the elongated
via column 24c(4) to the elongated via column 24d(4) on the
vertical side SA. A connector plate 112 is connected to the
elongated via column 24a(4) on the vertical side SB. The connector
plate 112 extends toward the elongated via column 24c(4). A
connector plate 114 is connected to the elongated via column 24a(4)
on the vertical side SB. The connector plate 114 extends toward the
elongated via column 24a(4). A terminal plate 116 is connected to
the elongated via column 24b(4) on the vertical side SB. The
terminal plate 116 extends toward the elongated via column 24d(4).
A terminal plate 118 is connected to the elongated via column
24d(4) on the vertical side SB. The terminal plate 118 extends
toward the elongated via column 24b(4). The terminal plates 116,
118 however are not connected but rather form a gap.
[0069] To connect the connector plates 112, 114 without
intersecting the terminal plates 116, 118 or closing the gap formed
by the terminal plates 116, 118, a bridge is connected between the
connector plate 112 and the connector plate 114. The bridge 120
extends around the terminal plates 116, 118. In this embodiment,
the bridge 120 goes over the terminal plates 116, 118. In other
embodiments, the bridge 120 goes under the connector plates 112,
114. The 3D inductors 10(1), 102 shown in FIG. 7 are weakly
magnetically coupled to one another. In alternative embodiments,
the 3D inductors 10(1), 102 may be provided to be moderately
magnetically coupled or strongly magnetically coupled.
[0070] FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the substrate 12 having
the conductive structure 15, which may be utilized to form any one
of the 3D inductors discussed above. In this embodiment, the
substrate 12 has a multi-level substrate body so that the substrate
body is made of substrate layers S1-S9. On and between each of the
substrate layers S1-S9, the conductive structure 15 has metallic
layers M1-M9. Each of the metallic layers M1-M9 may be connected by
solid vias. The dimensions of the structure allow for the 3D
inductors described above to be compatible with 0.065 mm integrated
circuit (IC) package technology.
[0071] Those skilled in the art will recognize improvements and
modifications to the preferred embodiments of the present
disclosure. All such improvements and modifications are considered
within the scope of the concepts disclosed herein and the claims
that follow.
* * * * *